Register Today To Attend The AATCC Spring Committee Meetings

DURHAM, N.C. — March 27, 2026 —  AATCC welcomes all professionals from the textile industry to take part in shaping the future by registering for upcoming AATCC committee meetings. These volunteer-driven groups develop test methods, measurement tools, standards, and educational materials that support quality, safety, sustainability, and innovation throughout global textile supply chains.

AATCC offers opportunities for students, seasoned professionals, and everyone in between to contribute These opportunities include open committee meetings, technical resources, networking events, and more. Participation is free and open to anyone eager to learn or to help drive progress. By getting involved with AATCC’s wide range of committees, volunteers play an active role in guiding the thoughtful, informed, and sustainable evolution of the textile industry worldwide.

Remote Update

The Association is announcing an important update regarding the format of all committee meetings. After extensive review and thoughtful discussion, the Board has voted to transition all committee meetings from in‑person gatherings to a fully remote format. This change reflects our commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and broader participation across the organization, ensuring that every member has a fair opportunity to engage in committee work.

Members shared valuable feedback about challenges with the previous structure. Members were unable to attend all the meetings they were interested in because some met at the same time, creating unavoidable scheduling conflicts. By moving to a remote format, we can offer more flexible scheduling options and reduce the burden of travel, ultimately supporting greater member participation.

We believe this shift will strengthen collaboration, enrich discussions, and foster a more inclusive and globally connected association.

Administrative Committee Meetings

AATCC members determine the direction of the Association by attending virtual Administrative Committee Meetings to learn or lead new projects for conferences, membership, education, and more. There is no fee to attend, and your input is welcome. With meetings concerning anywhere from education to publication, we are sure you will have a place to learn and contribute to our mission of connecting the global textile community to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future!

Research Committee Meetings

Join AATCC members and other industry stakeholders to help develop and revise standards and testing materials used around the world. This year AATCC is hosting the Research Committee Meetings Remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Meetings are open to all—no membership or fee required. If you’re looking for leadership experience, an opportunity to boost your reputation as an expert in your field, or a way to give back to the industry, this is your chance! A complete schedule of meetings and events is posted online. Please keep in mind that links to meetings are only available to those who have registered.

Advance registration is appreciated to facilitate planning.

Get Involved

AATCC committee meetings are working meetings. They are also an opportunity to meet people from across industry and around the world. Whether the discussion focuses on defining sustainability or choosing the location for an upcoming conference, there is always something new to learn and room to share.

Committee Leadership

AATCC invites new leaders to get involved in our process of creating and innovating new and existing standards. The leadership call is for Chairs and Secretaries alike, and we would love to communicate with anyone interested!

If interested, or to share nominations, please email standardsmatter@aatcc.org. Please understand that nominations do not guarantee an individual will be placed into a position, but it is a starting point for us to seek eligible and available volunteers.

Chair opportunities available:

  • RA33 Colorfastness to Atmospheric Contaminant Test Methods Committee
  • RA42 Dimensional Change Test Methods
  • RA88 Home Laundering Technology
  • RA61 Appearance Retention Test Methods Committee
  • RA106 UV Protective Textiles Test Methods
  • RA111 Electronically Integrated Textiles

Chair Duties

  • Support Bi-Annual Research Committee meeting’s Planning Process
  • Run Bi-Annual Research Committee meetings
  • Ensure the Work of Committee gets completed in a timely manner
  • Remind committee members to vote on every ballot.
  • Review the standards requiring revision/reaffirmation that are due in the current and next year.
  • Ensure continuity of Committee Leaderships

Secretary Duties

  • Take notes during the meetings
  • Complete the TCR Report and Minutes and submit to the Chair for approval and distribution by all required timelines
  • Assist the Chair in tracking committee projects
  • With prior agreement, the secretary may run the meeting if the Chair is unable to attend.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

From Nature Performance To Circular Economy: Techtextil (Germany) 2026 Focuses On The Future Market For Technical Textiles

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — March 30, 2026 —  Alternative materials and recycling technologies are one of the most important future segments and drivers of innovation in technical textiles. Sustainability goals and regulatory requirements increase their relevance, while advances in performance and economic viability enhance their market competitiveness.

Photo — Jean-Luc Valentin/Messe Frankfurt

Taking place from 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil reflects this key industry trend with a growing number of specialised exhibitors. With the new “Nature Performance” label, the leading global trade fair bundles relevant market offerings and facilitates access to new solutions – from natural fibres and yarns to bio-based materials and circular approaches.

Sustainable fibres and yarns are among the fastest-growing markets in technical textiles: companies worldwide increasingly turn to natural and bio-based solutions – driven by their performance, CO₂ savings, biodegradability, recyclability and independence from fossil resources. Dr Terry P. Townsend, statistician at the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI), explains the current developments: “Fibres such as jute (3 million tonnes/year), coir (1.2 million tonnes), short flax fibres (200,000 tonnes), sisal (300,000 tonnes), industrial hemp (400,000 tonnes), kapok (80,000 tonnes) and abaca (50,000 tonnes) are used primarily in technical applications and have great potential for expanded recovery and recycling. Potential applications for recycled natural fibres range from composites used in automobiles to reduce weight and improve sustainability, to insulation materials made from hollow fibres, to construction materials made with natural fibres as a binder.”

Nature Performance: more than 110 exhibitors with natural and bio-based materials

New material innovations, application possibilities and companies: natural and bio-based fibres and yarns are on the rise, and the market for industrially viable solutions grows. Techtextil brings these developments into focus, enabling visitors to gain a global overview and to directly find suitable partners and solutions. A key tool in this context is the newly introduced Nature Performance label, under which more than 110 exhibitors with natural and bio-based fibres and yarns for all relevant application areas are brought together. International innovators such as Abacell, Basaltex, Cordenka, Karsu Tekstil, Südwolle and Vombaur are among the participants. These companies are clearly marked both at the exhibition stands and in the online exhibitor search with the label – enabling quick orientation, targeted business contacts and room for new discoveries. Hall 9.1 brings together a wide range of innovative solutions and serves as a central hub for suppliers of natural and bio-based materials.

Recycled and recyclable fibers and yarns in focus

Stricter circular economy regulations drive textile recycling in Europe and add noticeable momentum to the market – at the same time, the recovery of high-performance fibres and yarns from post-consumer textiles remains a key challenge. Techtextil 2026 presents around 90 exhibitors offering recycled and/or recyclable fibres and yarns for a wide range of technical textile applications. Renowned companies such as Aquafil, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Lenzing, Nilit, Purfi Manufacturing, Recyc’Elit SAS, Teijin Group and The Lycra Company are among the participants. The growing diversity and technological sophistication of the field is also highlighted by the “Dutch Circular Textile Pavilion” in Hall 9.1: here, for example, SaXcell showcases a chemical fibre-to-fibre recycling process that converts textile waste into new fibres of cotton-like quality. The fashion brand Vodde presents its own fibre-to-fibre supply chain, enabling the production of yarns made from 100% recycled textile waste for its own manufacturing. Additional innovations, as well as a yarn library, are presented by co-exhibitors EECOFF, Materialliance and Tex-tracer.

Texpertise Econogy – a compass for textile sustainability

The cross-trade-fair sustainability programme Texpertise Econogy provides additional guidance in the growing market for sustainable textile solutions. The term combines ecological and economic aspects and identifies exhibitors that have been audited and certified by experts as operating sustainably, ethically responsibly and in an economically viable manner. Around 120 companies at Techtextil carry the Econogy label and can be found in the exhibitor search as well as via the icon at their exhibition stands. In addition, Econogy Talks and guided tours offer business-relevant insights into new developments and best practices.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

TechnoSport Launches New Brand Film Celebrating ‘Real Movement’ As IPL Season Amplifies India’s Sporting Pulse

BENGALURU, India — March 30, 2026 — As the excitement of the Indian Premier League sweeps across the country, TechnoSport, India’s largest activewear brand, has unveiled its brand film, centered on the idea of ‘Real Movement’. This launch comes right after the brand announced its refreshed identity marking a new milestone in its journey as the company accelerates expansion across retail, digital and marketplace channels.

Designed to capture authentic, everyday motion across India, the film showcases real people engaging in diverse activities across varying intensities, reinforcing the brand’s core belief: enabling and supporting every kind of movement.

At its core, the campaign reflects a powerful consumer truth, while only a small percentage of Indians engage in structured fitness, over 400 million Indians are physically active in their daily lives. Yet, much of the activewear category continues to speak to gym-centric audiences. TechnoSport’s latest campaign aims to bridge this gap by shifting the narrative from performance perfection to real, relatable movement, positioning itself as a brand built for how India truly moves.

Speaking on the campaign, Patralika Agrawal, Head of Marketing, TechnoSport, said, “As India’s largest activewear brand, closing this year at more than 25 million apparel units sold, our vision goes beyond performance wear, we exist to enable and support all kinds of movement. This film reflects the reality of how India stays active today, unfiltered, diverse, and deeply personal. It also marks a significant step in our growth journey as we continue to build a brand that is both accessible and rooted in real consumer behaviour.”

About the Film

Conceptualised as a multi-discipline brand film, the narrative captures real individuals across diverse forms of movement, spanning sports, fitness, and everyday activity. Instead of focusing on elite athleticism or leading with models, the film highlights authentic effort, natural expressions, and lived experiences.

Structured with a rhythmic, almost music-video-like flow, the film alternates between high-energy sequences and slower, introspective moments, mirroring the natural cadence of movement itself. The visual storytelling stays intimate, focusing on breath, sweat, fabric, and motion to ground performance in human reality.

Bringing this vision to life, the campaign was conceptualised in-house by the TechnoSport marketing team and executed in collaboration with Nirvana, combining strategic clarity with high-quality visual craft.

Link to the Film: https://youtu.be/bqrEZuRrabY?si=jj8AGidKkHuTulzg

Production House: Nirvana Films

Producer: Nandini Gowda

Director: Swaroop Kumar

DOP: Vikas Vasudevan

Editor: Pradeep Gopal

Music: Deepak Alexander

Timed strategically with the IPL season, the campaign aims to build strong brand salience during one of India’s most culturally significant sporting moments. It also supports TechnoSport’s rapid expansion across Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets by speaking to a broader, more inclusive audience base beyond traditional fitness consumers.

The campaign will roll out as a 360-degree activation across platforms including CTV, digital and transit, along with activations across Spotify using progressive audio content with context, Influencer story telling, branded content featuring cricketers like Ravichandran Ashwin, cinema integrations and contextual commerce touchpoints.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source TechnoSport

Bedding Company Purecare Promotes Kelly Crenshaw And Danny Ramos To Step Into Key Roles To Enhance Product Development And Sales Teams

PHOENIX — March 30, 2026 — Purecare has promoted Kelly Crenshaw and Danny Ramos, two key players in its strategic plans for brand growth, development and innovation.

Kelly Crenshaw

Crenshaw joined Purecare in 2021 as vice president of product development and merchandising. She is now senior vice president and will continue to lead the product development team in every stage of the process and coordinate cross-departmentally to direct the launch and vision of new products. Crenshaw has played an integral role in developing new global sourcing partnerships for the company’s core product categories as well as launching a collaborative natural bedding collection with Dr. Andrew Weil.

“Kelly’s many contributions to our business are as difficult to measure as they are impossible to ignore,” said Sarah Bergman, chief marketing officer for Purecare. “She is a true powerhouse combination of talent, drive and smarts. But above all, I think her curiosity is her superpower. She is a consummate student of what drives successful products in the specialty sleep retail space.”

Danny Ramos

Purecare has also promoted Danny Ramos to director of sales. Ramos has been with Purecare for nine years, climbing the ranks from regional training specialist to his most recent role as director of training and development. During his tenure, Ramos has also emerged as a key educator and well-recognized spokesperson for the brand.

His new role includes creating high-level strategies and providing new analytical perspectives on key accounts for the company. He will create efficient strategies to train RSAs as well as forecast how current and new product offerings can benefit partners’ businesses.

“Dan has always jumped into the deep end with our team to accomplish anything that needs to be done with excellence,” said Anthony Petrucci, Purecare’s senior vice president of domestic sales. “I am incredibly proud of Dan and his new role as director of sales. He’s already doing a great job.”

Purecare leadership believes continual investment in its team enables each member to strive for and achieve greater success for the benefit of the brand and its retail partners.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source: Purecare

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Launches Introduction to Industrial Robotics Course

ANN ARBOR, Michigan — March 30, 2026 — The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a  global advocate for robotics and automation technologies, today announced the launch of its new Introduction to Industrial Robotics course. The on-demand program is designed to help professionals across industries build a foundational understanding of robotics as automation adoption continues to accelerate.

As robotics becomes an increasingly integral part of modern manufacturing and operations, the need for accessible, practical education is growing. This course provides a structured introduction to industrial robotics, helping learners understand how robots work, where they deliver value, and how they are used in real-world environments.

Delivered in a flexible, on-demand format, the 2.5-hour course is designed for a broad audience, including individuals entering the robotics field, operational professionals overseeing automated systems, and business leaders evaluating automation strategies. No prior experience is required.

  • Unlike academic programs or fragmented online content, this course offers:
  • A vendor-neutral, system-level perspective grounded in real-world applications
  • A blend of business and technical perspectives designed for a range of roles
  • Standards-aligned, structured learning
  • Completion in just 2.5 hours

“The rate of automation adoption is accelerating, driving the need for individuals across organizations to understand how these systems work and where they deliver value,” said Christelle Keefer, director of training and certifications for A3. “Whether you’re new to robotics, transitioning into an automation-focused role, or looking to strengthen your foundation, this course provides a practical starting point grounded in real-world applications.”

The course marks the second in a planned series of online learning offerings from A3, part of a broader effort to expand education and workforce development resources for the automation industry.

Introductory pricing (through June 30, 2026):

  • A3 Members: $50 per person
  • Non-members: $75 per person

The Introduction to Industrial Robotics course is available now. To register or learn more, visit https://www.automate.org/robotics/introduction-to-industrial-robotics.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

NALA’s Status Of Flax Fiber In North America Report Finds “Growing” Interest, But Limited Production, Processing Infrastructure

PORTLAND, OR.— March 26, 2026 — The Portland, OR-based North American Linen Association (NALA) today released the “Status of Flax Fiber in North America” report marking the first step in documenting the history, current state, and future of the flax fiber industry in the US and Canada. It was created to provide insight into the industry and support NALA’s mission of revitalizing North American flax fiber and linen production.

Flax and linen were once widely produced in North America, and today there is a resurgence in interest in bringing flax and linen back. From square-yard plots and 50-acre trials, and from small- to large-scale processing facilities, individuals, universities, companies, brands, and more are reinventing the flax-to-linen supply chain in the US and Canada.

“Through the research, survey, data analysis, and interviews, it’s clear that there is a keen interest in not only resurrecting the ‘flax-to-linen’ industry, but seeing it surpass what it once was,” says Annette Herboth, NALA Board President.

Key findings of this report include:

  • Production of fiber flax is very limited, with less than 200 acres (~80 hectares) of fiber flax grown in the US and Canada in 2024, according to a 2025 NALA survey.
  • To scale flax fiber production and processing in North America, the necessary infrastructure needs to be rebuilt for each stage, from field to manufacturing. Virtually all flax fiber production and processing equipment must be replaced or reinvented.
  • Researchers at several US universities are conducting variety trials to test and develop production practices as well as the viability and quality of the resulting fiber.
  • Standards are in place or being developed that address chain of custody as well as environmentally responsible production and processing practices.
  • Key challenges to fiber flax production include lack of available seed; agricultural research into both appropriate varieties and production practices; harvesting, breaking/scutching/hackling and spinning equipment; skilled labor and expertise; transportation and logistics; and private and public investment.
  • There is no framework at the federal or state level to support fiber flax production, marketing, or infrastructure development.

These findings reflect an urgent opportunity for North America to lead the renaissance of fiber flax production. With coordinated support, flax fiber can offer a natural alternative to synthetic fibers while creating jobs and building resilient local economies.

While the industry is in its nascent stages in North America, several new companies are joining the effort at an increasing pace, with a small but expanding number of companies in North America developing both small- and commercial-scale processing capacity suitable for long-line fiber flax.

“The time is right to set the seed for this industry in North America,” notes Herboth. “Consumers are asking for low-impact and durable natural fiber options. Brands and manufacturers increasingly seek resilient supply chains that minimize risk by incorporating reliable local and domestic sourcing and production options. Farmers are looking for rotational or alternative crops to mitigate financial risks, and are interested in augmenting their crop rotations with a plant that can provide both fiber and seed. The flax fiber industry needs more diversity in production regions to reduce overall market volatility when the primary production region is impacted.”

Posted: March 30, 2026

Source: The North American Linen Association (NALA)

INDA Announces Legislative Champion And Industry Advocate Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 27, 2026 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the winners of its inaugural Legislative Champion and Industry Advocate of the Year Awards, recognizing policymakers and industry members for their support of the nonwovens industry’s advocacy agenda.

Legislative champion award winners were Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), recognized for their support of the WIPPES Act, which would enact national Do Not Flush labeling standards for non-flushable wipes. Senator Merkley accepted his award in person at INDA’s third annual Washington D.C. Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, held in conjunction with ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Association’s Clean Advocacy Summit.

Senator Merkley was able to share the news with the group that the WIPPES Act, S. 1092, had been passed by the United States Senate the day prior with unanimous consent.

Industry Advocate of the Year awards were given to Martyn Davis, President of Sellars Nonwovens, and Sam Nebel, co-founder of Goodwipes, in recognition for their support of the nonwoven industry and INDA’s wipes advocacy.

“INDA would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all awardees,” noted INDA government affairs director Wes Fisher, “It was a great moment for Senator Merkley to join us in person to share the news of the Senate passage of the WIPPES Act, he and Representative McClain have been instrumental in moving this key legislation. Additionally, we would like to thank and recognize Sam and Martyn for their steadfast support of the nonwovens industry’s advocacy agenda.”

Posted: March 27, 2026

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Fire-Dex AeroFlex® Turnout Earns UL Verification For Particulate Ingress Performance

MEDINA, Ohio— March 25, 2026 — Fire-Dex, North America’s fastest-growing manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, announced that UL Solutions has verified particulate ingress results for its AeroFlex® turnout system under UL Verification 1641. The verification confirms performance to NFPA Particle Inward Leakage testing requirements when the ensemble is worn in a specific configuration.

“Particulate barriers in pant/coat interfaces add protection from contaminants, but the trade-off is that they can limit breathability,” said Todd Herring, V.P. of Product Innovation and Strategy, Fire-Dex. “AeroFlex is designed differently, with vents that help hot air escape from inside turnouts but that also keep particulates out.

“That gives departments a clearer path when weighing particulate protection and heat management inside the coat, because our UL-verified system addresses both in one ensemble. This design supports breathability, wearer comfort, and operational mobility while maintaining required certified performance.”

The evaluated configuration included the AeroFlex coat with a properly engaged SCBA, along with AeroFlex pants equipped with the optional particulate-blocking barrier. Results are published by UL Solutions at verify.ul.com/verifications/1641.

Testing used a controlled particulate chamber where a firefighter performed prescribed actions for 20 minutes, then researchers assessed skin contamination after the gear was carefully doffed. UL’s verification posting reports less than 1 microgram exposure on the wearer across the ensemble.The findings confirm that a properly engaged SCBA helps seal the coat-to-pant interface, preventing particulate migration into the torso area even without an added particulate barrier in the coat. The optional particulate-blocking barrier in the pants provided added lower body protection.

Revolutionizing Firefighter Safety

The AeroFlex turnout system is built around zoned breathability. It places VaporLite® breathable composite panels where heat and sweat concentrate—side seams, armpits, inner thighs and behind the knees—then integrates AeroVent® Technology within those zones to move warm humid air outward under pressure, with an integrated particulate-blocking element in the vent.

Adding a particulate barrier layer in a structural coat can improve contaminant blocking, but it can also restrict moisture vapor transport through the garment. When that pathway is choked, heat and humidity are more likely to build inside the coat which can increase heat burden during work.

AeroFlex was engineered for that exact challenge—as the wearer moves, airflow inside the garment increases and cooling improves.

To learn more about how AeroFlex combines breathability and particulate-blocking protection, visit firedex.com/aeroflex.

Posted: March 25, 2026

Source: Fire-Dex

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 Concludes, Connecting Buyers With Innovative Selection Of Sustainable Yarns And Fibers

SHANGHAI — March 25, 2026 — Yarn Expo Spring 2026 wrapped up successfully on 13 March, as a record-high of over 600 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions welcomed over 25,000 visitors from 113 countries and regions. Held across 27,000 sqm in Hall 8.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair spotlighted the textile industry’s accelerating shift toward a lower-impact, more functional future.

More than 25,000 visitors attended the fair – a 7% increase overall compared to the previous Spring Edition
Photo: Messe Frankfurt

Exhibitors showcased eco-friendly organic, regenerated and recycled yarns and fibres, plus innovative options like sweat-resistant and high-performance fibres. Beyond the show floor, a strong fringe programme added depth to the experience, giving fairgoers practical market insights and fresh opportunities to build quality business connections.

Speaking at the fair’s close, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “This year’s Yarn Expo Spring grew in scale and relevance, achieving its highest exhibitor numbers to date, and a wider array of innovative, responsible yarn and fibre solutions.

Strong turnout on both the exhibitor and visitor sides reflects market confidence in the platform, and the feedback from participants has been highly encouraging. The fringe programme featured a range of upcoming textile trends and new-to-market yarns and fibres, empowering buyers to turn ideas into business opportunities.”

Global reach and diverse industry participation

The visitor figures – up by 7% compared to the previous edition – underscore the fair’s role as a key sourcing hub in Asia, with top visiting countries and regions including Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Türkiye, US and the Vietnam. Meanwhile, exhibitors from China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan and other markets represented a balanced mix of established and emerging suppliers, with a rising focus on recycled, regenerated and next-generation fibres.

Across the International Zone and seven product-focused zones – Cashmere Yarn, Cotton Yarn, Chemical Fibre, Fancy Yarn, Linen Yarn, Silk Yarn and Wool Yarn – the fair presented a broad spectrum of conventional and specialty solutions. Products with certifications including BCI, GOTS and GRS were prominent, including recycled polyester for activewear and organic cotton for low-impact apparel. New exhibitors like Toray Industries Inc (Japan), debuting its Premium GOUSEN select high-function fibres overseas, and Circ Inc (USA), with its polycotton-to-polyester/lyocell recycling, drew strong interest among domestic buyers. Various Indian exhibitors presented water-saving Kasturi Cotton, while NORGIIS GROUP (UK) offered premium air-jet and ring-spun cottons from Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Turkmenistan, further expanding the sustainable offerings.

Complementing the exhibitor displays, a series of innovation-focused fringe events – such as Tongkun China Fibres Fashion Trends 2026/2027 Show and From Textile to Textile, Powered by Enzymatic Renewal – spotlighted forward-looking applications, trends and circular textile strategies, with the presentations and displays equipping buyers with insights into market directions and sustainable material integration.

Exhibitors’ experiences

“Yarn Expo is a vital platform drawing strong interest from Korean, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese buyers alike. We specialise in value-added blended yarns for high-end knitting and weaving. Sustainability is embedded in our DNA, we target premium manufacturers seeking innovative developments and R&D. China’s market is highly competitive, but this fair is helping us connect with the right local agents and partners. Feedback has been positive, delivering real potential for our business growth here.”
Mr Sm Irfan Muneer, Director, Din Industries, Pakistan

“We’re a US textile-to-textile recycler turning polycotton waste into polyester chips and lyocell/viscose pulp, targeting downstream spinners. This is our first time exhibiting at Yarn Expo. It’s a very good platform to enter the Chinese market. We’re pleased with China’s strong sustainability focus, with high T-to-T awareness, rapid recycling plant scale-ups, abundant bio-based solutions, and open business mindset. The fair’s scale and key players make it ideal for connections.”
Ms Kathleen Rademan, Vice President of Commercial Strategy, Circ Inc, United States

“This is Toray’s first time at Yarn Expo Spring, showcasing chemical fibre highlights like GIGADULL and NANODESIGN® for world-leading UV protection and invisible sweat stains, perfect for sportswear and daily use. Sustainability focuses include recycled PET and acrylic from waste, keeping top quality. The fair draws mostly Chinese buyers, plus those from Italy, Türkiye, Sri Lanka, India, Europe, and the US. We’ve made many contacts with positive responses and feel optimistic about China’s yarn and fibre potential. We’ll definitely return next year.”
Mr Hiroki Shimada, Filament Department Manager, Toray Industries Inc, Japan

“We’ve been part of this fair since 2005, as China is a vital market for Indian cotton. This year, our pavilion features around 30 Indian companies, with strong interest in cotton yarn and fabric. Sustainability is a key focus, through initiatives like Kasturi Cotton, our premium Indian cotton branding programme with traceability and farmer training. Yarn Expo remains an important platform for connecting Indian exporters with Chinese buyers and driving long-term business growth.”
Mr Murali Balkrishna, Joint Director, Texprocil, India

“This fair is a key showcase and industry trendsetter. This time, we brought ready-stock yarns for sweaters, knit blankets, and functional products, covering wool blends, cashmere, and more than 20 self-developed styles in semi-worsted and coarse wool. We offer responsibly certified wool and recycled polyester materials, stable partnerships with brands like Zara, and full supply chain traceability. This platform stands out with high footfall and diverse visitors, helping us connect with potential clients in circular knitting and weaving to expand our business horizons.”
Mr Rex Lao, Sales Manager Trade Department VI, Tongxiang Hengqi Textile Co Ltd, China

“We brought together four of our subsidiaries to exhibit at Yarn Expo Spring 2026, debuting three themed zones for sustainability, functionality, and heat-management, to showcase nearly 60 innovative chemical fibre products and our full industry chain. We aim to reshape our brand and empower the textile sector toward green, low-carbon transformation. The booth attracted strong visitor interest focused on new products and trends, including overseas buyers from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and Europe. This platform’s maturity and strong organisation provide vital support for our market expansion.”
Mr Wu Haipeng, Customer Manager, Nanjing Representative Office, East China, China Petrochemical Corporation, China

Visitors’ comments
“We are a young Thai fashion brand specialising in unique, one-of-a-kind clothing. This is my first time at Yarn Expo; I’m here to source special fabrics, yarns, and accessories that reflect our creative style. We’ve found inspiring raw materials and potential partners that we don’t have in Thailand, sparking new ideas for our collections. It’s impressive to see China’s strong production capabilities and creative energy all in one place.”
Mr Andrey Belkn, Owner, Unihorse, Thailand

“We’re an Australian mid-to-premium brand focusing on sustainable apparel made from bamboo viscose, lyocell, and hemp. We’re sourcing ethical and eco-friendly fibres, especially lyocell from bamboo, and are impressed by China’s progress in closed-loop viscose innovation. This fair exceeds expectations – it is much larger and more diverse than imagined, with an amazing range of sustainable materials that truly open our minds to new possibilities. It’s been an inspiring and eye-opening experience for our brand.”
Ms Pixie Rose, Managing Director, Bodypeace Bamboo Clothing, Australia

“I focus on sourcing materials that balance comfort, quality, and sustainability. At this fair, it’s impressive to see how far suppliers have advanced in eco-friendly yarns. Recycled polyester and bio-based fibres now meet high standards, aligning with our sustainability goals. The fair also introduced functional yarns such as anti-pilling and UV-resistant types, which spark fresh ideas for our home textile collections.”
Mr Chen Bo, Purchasing Manager, NITORI, China

“Yarn Expo Spring 2026 has been very rewarding for us, offering fresh ideas for developing fabrics for pet products. We discovered high-quality recycled and organic-certified yarns, as well as functional varieties with softness, durability, and antibacterial properties – exactly what we need for pet beds and apparel. The fair’s broad supplier base and efficient networking helped us identify reliable partners and new material directions that support our eco-friendly product goals.”
Ms Shi Huizhen, Sales Director, Maoxin Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, China

Yarn Expo Spring was organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT. The fair was held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value, with the resultant synergy allowing exhibitors and buyers to maximise their business opportunities.

For further information, please visit: www.yarn-expo-spring.com

Posted: March 25, 2026

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

Major Expansion For Automation Services Provider ACG Kinna Follows Record Year

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — March 25, 2026 — In response to growing demand for its full textile and finished product line automation services, ACG Kinna – a member of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association – has inaugurated a 1,000-square-metre expansion at its headquarters in Skene, Sweden.

The new plant and inauguration.

“Following a number of acquisitions in recent years, we needed to either relocate or expand, and opted to remain here in Skene,” explains Sales and Marketing Manager Tomas Aspenskog. “The expansion is directly connected to our existing headquarters and is enabling us to relocate some staff to this centralised location, as well as providing plenty of additional specialised assembly space. It will improve logistics for us and simplify and speed up operations for the company, our suppliers and our customers.”

Automation benefits

ACG Kinna had a record year in 2025 as manufacturers of pillows and duvets for the home furnishings sector are increasingly recognising the benefits of full automation.

Under its trademarked slogan ‘Complete Process – One Supplier’, the company has pioneered the development of complete robotic pillow lines from the handling and opening of filling material to sewing, digital quality control and packaging.

In parallel, ACG Kinna is also now making further inroads into the finished filter bag market and will be demonstrating its latest advances in this field at the forthcoming Filtech 2026 exhibition in Cologne, Germany from June 30th to July 2nd.

“Our modular solutions enable customers to be more flexible and faster in adapting specific parts of a production line to meet new demands, and also to grow over time,” says Aspenskog. “There are also many benefits for manufacturers in dealing with only one project leader, contact person, supplier, freight handler and installation team. Despite all that’s happening in the world, the market for our services is buzzing and we are seeing a lot of activity, especially across Europe and in North America.”

Acquisitions growth

Part of the highly diversified and still family owned ACG Group since 2013, ACG Kinna significantly expanded its services five years ago, with the acquisition of Finland-based Nowo Machinery, the long-established specialist in technologies for fibre and raw material processing and manufacturer of the highly successful Nowo pillow filling system and ball fibre machines.

More recently, the acquisitions of two other Swedish companies, EyeTech, a developer of machine vision solutions for manufacturing, warehouse and factory automation, and Styrteknik Europe, a manufacturer of industrial sewing machines for home furnishings, has further expanded ACG Kinna’s scope of offered services.

“Automation has become a must for a number of reasons,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Product traceability, flexibility and local production, in addition to new trade regulations, are now driving the market and given the challenge of finding skilled operators and constantly increasing costs, manufacturers are looking for simpler systems that will save on resources and boost productivity wherever possible. ACG’s latest expansion follows those made by other TMAS members operating in similar fields and providing the tools for highly sophisticated 21st Century production.”

Posted: March 25, 2026

Source: TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association / ACG Kinna Automatic AB

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